Marie T. Marsden

Marie Murphy Marsden, 96, of Greece, NY quietly passed into eternal rest on November 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family whose lives were shaped and enriched by her presence.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Rome, NY, she also lived many years in Ilion, NY, Byram Township, NJ and Stroudsburg, PA. Marie was the daughter of Edward A. and Mary Dunn Murphy. She graduated from St. Aloysius Academy in Rome, NY and from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing. As a career RN, Marie worked in both New York and New Jersey for a total of 28 years.

On June 30, 1951, Marie was united in marriage to Frank Marsden and they went on to spend 63 blessed years together until Frank's passing in 2014. She was also predeceased by her two sons, David and William (Bill) Marsden.

Surviving are her two daughters, Beth (James) Murphy, Webster, NY and Mary Lynn (Robert) Parsloe, Falmouth, ME and her seven grandchildren: Adam Murphy, Kathryn Schrock, Melia Grandmont, Corinne Gerckens, Victoria Parsloe, Amanda Watson and Sarah Marsden, for whom their "Nonna" was a shining light. Marie is also survived by several great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Barbara Murphy, and Mary Lou Murphy, brother-in-law Ronald White and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers, Thomas, Edward, Robert and Raymond Murphy and her sisters Ann McKiernan and Elizabeth (Betsy) White; sisters-in-law Mary Murphy, Katherine (Katy) Murphy, Ann Murphy; and brother-in-law James McKiernan.

Marie was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and practiced her devotion by her readiness to be of help in any situation. As a nurse, Marie specialized in pediatric care, working in hospitals, and doctor's offices. Many times, she was called upon by family, neighbors and friends for her medical expertise and compassion. It was often an emergency or illness, but other times they came just seeking her advice. She nurtured every family newborn (her specialty) and gave the best hugs.

She was always a people person; she enjoyed entertaining and was a wonderful cook and baker. She could pull off a perfect Thanksgiving feast, or a simple evening of cards with an ease that would make even the best chef envious. Marie had many friends, neighbors and family and she not only kept in touch with all of them, but she never forgot a birthday or special occasion. Although Marie and Frank traveled often in their retirement there was a distinct feeling that while enjoying the sights, Marie often took more joy in the time spent with her traveling companions and the people they met on their travels, than anything else.

As a working mother and wife, Marie was always up to the task of balancing both work and home and doing a superb job in each capacity. Her family remembers her as a strong, intelligent role model with many talents and a "can do" attitude throughout her life. Among her many accomplishments: caning a chair, installing tile, sewing a suit, knitting a winter coat, braiding a full-sized rug, installing a computer, and decorating beautiful cakes. Many were fortunate to have received exquisitely crocheted afghans as a token of her love.

Above all, Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother at the center of her beautiful family. It will be her greatest legacy in a life well lived.

The family wishes to thank St. Ann's Care Center staff at Cherry Ridge in Webster NY, for their friendship and care these past 5 years. We also thank Rochester Regional Health – Hospice Care for the comfort and support that they lent to us.

A Mass of Christian Burial and memorial celebration of her life will be held in Rome, NY at a later date. Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Rome, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to your preferred charity, in her name.